Wilmington F&AM #52
Communications
Wages
York Rite
From the offices of the
Grand Treasurer of WV
Michael Aurnague
The following was written by Elbert Bede. I never get tired of reading it
as its message is profound. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have ...
Michael Aurnague
Wages of a Master Mason
We have heard a great deal about the wages of a Fellowcraft. It is as
Master Masons that we labor as Masons. Then why are we taught nothing
about the wages of a Master Mason?
The reason we do not find wages of a Master Mason described is undoubtedly
the same reason that explains lack of interpretation of our Symbols. As
each Brother must find his own interpretation for a Symbol, so must each
find for himself his wages of a Master Mason. One Brother may not be paid
in the same wages as another. One may receive wages in the gratitude of
one for whom he has performed an act of charity. Another may receive wages
in the joy that comes from having brought cheer into a sick room. Another
may receive wages in the appreciation of Brethren to whom he has imparted
something of Masonic knowledge. Another may receive wages in the gratitude
of a Brother’s family to whom he has a mainstay during their hour of
grief. Another may receive wages in honors conferred upon him by Brethren
whom he has faithfully served. Another may receive wages in friendships
that have come to him through Masonry. Another may receive wages in the
satisfaction he derives from service to others. Another may receive wages
that to him seem sufficient when he is privileged to coach some one in the
lectures, or when he is given a part in degree work.
Wages of a Master Mason are not paid in silver or gold, or articles of
commerce and trade that may be stolen or may deteriorate and moulder
through the passage of years. They are paid in those things that the
Brother may keep within the repository of the faithful breast. They are
paid in those things that are secure in the hearts of his Brethren and his
friends. The wages of a Master Mason have no intrinsic value. They can not
be measured by any standard by which the value of intrinsic things are
measured. Wages of a Master Mason are measured only by the value placed
upon them by the one who has received them.
Elbert Bede